Safety guard to a prevent children from climbing the exterior of a stair railing

ABSTRACT

A safety device to discourage and/or prevent children from climbing stairs on the exterior of the railing is detailed. This stair guard safety apparatus safeguards homes and protects children by shielding them from climbing to elevated positions on the outside of the railing, where the vertical drop is even more of a danger than inside the railings. 
     A screen or shield is used to discourage children from climbing the outside of a staircase. The screen is fastened to staircase structure. Fixed support for securing the screen is provided by structure available in the staircase (e.g., handrail, bannister, closures and/or its accoutrements). This screen support is provided, for example, by sandwiching, applying pressure, surrounding or otherwise fastening the screen to existing staircase parts, such as bannisters, balusters, closures, steps or other structure. In many embodiments, the stair guard apparatus is fastened in such a way that it does not damage the balusters and is removable.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of provisional patent application Ser.No. 62/206,460 filed on Aug. 18, 2015 which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The apparatus, system and methods generally relate to children safetydevices for staircases.

BACKGROUND

Many staircases have one or both sides open or, in other words, sidesnot closed in by walls. The open side of these staircases present adanger to children. More particularly, the exterior of the handrails,along with the stairstep treads hanging over the side of the staircaselike ledges, are very inviting for children to climb. Children willoften place their hands on the handrail supports or balusters to steadythemselves while climbing the stairsteps with their small feet using theoverhanging stairstep treads as ledges for footholds.

On some staircases having one or both sides open, the bottom of thehandrails supports do not attach the stairsteps but instead to an angledsupport. With this particular staircase design, the children may slidetheir feet under the handrail supports and onto the stairstep tread. Inyet other staircase designs with open sides, the children may placetheir feet between the handrail supports (e.g., balusters) to accessgreater portions of the stairstep treads for footholds on which toclimb.

Gate-type guards have been developed to prevent children from ascendingor descending in the normal “inside of the railing” path or stairway.These gates are placed at the bottom and top of the stairway. The gatesare often pressure mounted or mounted by drilling holes in thebannisters or walls. Unfortunately, these gate-type guards do nothing toprevent children from climbing the side or exterior of the staircase. Infact, since the normal inside the railing path is closed off to thechild by the gate, the exterior route up the stairs is even morealluring. This is particular troublesome because the vertical drops areeven more dangerous on the exterior of the staircase than the interior.

Children are hurt every year falling from the exterior of staircases.Parents desire to remove this significant danger from their child'senvironment.

Accordingly, there is a desire for a safety device for use on theexterior of staircases.

What is needed is an apparatus for discouraging children from climbingto elevated positions on the outside of a staircase.

SUMMARY

This apparatus is a safety guard to discourage and/or prevent childrenfrom climbing stairs on the exterior of the railing.

Whereas gate-type guards prevent a child from ascending or descendingthe stairs in the normal “inside the railing” path, this safetyapparatus protects children by shielding them from climbing to elevatedpositions on the outside of the railing, where the vertical drop is evenmore of a danger.

A stair guard safety apparatus is described. A screen or shield is usedto discourage children from climbing the outside of a staircase. Thescreen and a fastening structure comprise the stair guard safetyapparatus. Fixed support for securing the screen is provided bystructure available in the staircase (e.g., handrail, bannister,closures and/or its accoutrements). In some embodiments, the screenfastening structure uses the fixed support structure of the handrails,for example balusters, spindles, stanchions, decorative supports,ornamental closures, decorative accoutrements or stair sticks to securesupport for the screen. This screen support is provided, for example, bysandwiching, applying pressure, surrounding or otherwise fastening thescreen to the existing staircase parts, such as bannisters, balusters,steps or other structure. In many embodiments, the stair guard apparatusis fastened in such a way that it does not damage the balusters and isremovable.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for use on an open side of a staircase isdescribed wherein the staircase includes an interior for foot traffic,stairsteps with tread overhanging the open side of the staircase and hasa handrail on the open side of the staircase with railing closures orsupports, the apparatus comprising: a shield; and a support structureconnected to the shield and removably connected to the railing closureor support; wherein the shield is supported in a position exterior tothe railing closure or support and extending a sufficient distance in adirection perpendicular to the handrail to block a child from climbingthe tread or its overhang In an embodiment, the railing closures orsupports comprise intermediate rails, balusters, banisters, decorativesupports or ornamental closures. In an embodiment, the support structurecomprises a bracket. In another embodiment, the support structurecomprises a support plate. In an embodiment, the support structurecomprises compression plates. In an embodiment, the support structurecomprises a bracket and compression plates.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for use in blocking a child from climbingstairstep treads overhanging an open side of a staircase is described ascomprising: a shield; and a support structure for removably connectingthe shield to railing support.

In an embodiment, the apparatus' bracket and support form an anglebetween 85 and 95 degrees. In another, the bracket and support form anangle between 80 and 100 degrees. In yet another, the bracket andsupport form an angle between 70 and 110 degrees.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for use on the open side of a staircasewherein the staircase includes an interior for foot traffic, stairstepswith tread overhanging the open side of the staircase and has a handrailon the open side of the staircase with railing supports is described ascomprising: a shield and a means, removably connected to the railsupport, for supporting the shield extending a sufficient distancemeasured in a direction perpendicular to the handrails to block a childfrom climbing the stairstep tread overhangs to ascend the exterior of astaircase.

In this embodiment, the railing supports comprising one or more of thefollowing intermediate rails, balusters, banisters, decorative supportsor ornamental closures.

In one embodiment, the tread overhangs the open side of the staircase;In another embodiment, the tread does not overhang the open side of thestaircase and children climb the exterior of a staircase using stairsteptread wherein there is no stairstep tread overhang.

In another embodiment a safety apparatus is described comprising: ascreen; a bracket, connected to the screen; a brace, operably connectedto the bracket, wherein the brace and bracket fasten the apparatus tohandrail supports and the screen protrudes from the exterior of thehandrail supports preventing children from climbing the exterior of astaircase.

In one embodiment, fastening devices or fixing devices such as bolts andnuts are used.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for preventing children from climbingstairs on an exterior of a railing is described as comprising: a shield,generally perpendicular to the railing, for blocking an ascent of thestairs along the exterior of the railing; a right-angle mountingbracket, connected to the shield, for substantially rigidly connectingthe shield to the railing; and support plates, removably connected tothe railing, for facilitating attachment of the right-angle mountingbracket to the railing and stabilizing the connecting of the right-anglemounting bracket to the railing; and wherein the apparatus may beremoved from the railing by disconnecting the mounting brackets.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for preventing children from ascending,exterior to a handrail, a staircase, is described the apparatuscomprising: one or more blocking shields, located exterior to ahandrail; a bracket operably connected to the blocking shields; and asupport structure operably connected to the bracket and handrailsupports, wherein the blocking shield blocks a child from climbing usinga portion of a stairstep exterior to a handrail.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for preventing children from climbingusing a portion of stairsteps located exterior to a handrail isdescribed as comprising: a shield, located exterior to a handrail andblocking a child from climbing a outer portion of a stairstep; a bracketconnected to the shield; a support plate, connected to the bracket andremovably connected to a railing system.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for use on the open side of a staircasewherein the staircase includes an interior for foot traffic, stairstepswith tread overhanging the open side of the staircase and has a handrailon the open side of the staircase with railing supports comprisingintermediate rails, balusters, banisters or ornamental closures, isdescribed as comprising: a shield located exterior to the railingsupport and extending at least 10 inches from the railing supportmeasured in a direction perpendicular to the railing support; a bracketconnected to the shield; and a support, connected to the bracket andremovably connected to a railing support.

In an embodiment a kit is described for an stair guard safety apparatus.In one such embodiment, a kit for a shield to screen children fromclimbing an exterior of an open side of a staircase having a handrailand handrail supports, is described as comprising: a screen; a bracket;means for attaching the bracket to the screen; a support; and means forremovably securing the bracket and support to the handrail supports,wherein when secured the screen prevents ascent on the exterior of anopen staircase.

In a kit embodiment described, the removably securing means comprises ascrew. In another kit embodiment, the screen is a panel and the supportis a plate. In another embodiment, when mounted, the handrail support issandwiched between the bracket and the support.

In another embodiment, a method of installing a shield on a side of astaircase wherein the side is open is described as comprising: attachinga panel to a bracket or support plate; mounting the attached panel (andbracket or support plate) to handrail supports or handrail closuresusing a support; wherein the mounted panel prevents ascending theexterior of the open side of the staircase by climbing steps.

In another embodiment, the step of attaching a panel comprisesconnecting the panel to a panel mount and connecting the panel mount tothe support plate. In yet another embodiment, the step of attachingcomprises connecting the panel to a panel mount and connecting the panelmount to the bracket.

In another embodiment, the method step of mounting the safety apparatussandwiches the rail support between plates. In another embodiment, thestep of mounting sandwiches the handrail supports between the bracketand support. In another embodiment, the method of installing a shield ona side of as staircase includes fastening brackets to handrail supports.In another embodiment the method involves securing plates to handrailsupports.

In another a barrier is connected to stanchions using a brace. Inanother embodiment, a brace is used to fasten one or more brackets and ashield to the handrail supports

The different design options or embodiments included below arerepresentative of the many that could be used for a stair guardapparatus. Each example of a stair guard apparatus can be fastened to anopen right side or an open left side of a staircase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art gate on a home stairway for gating theinside the railing path while children are climbing the exterior of thestaircase.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a safetyapparatus having a screen and a fastening structure.

FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a safetyapparatus with a shield mount.

FIG. 3b illustrates a perspective view of an example for a screen orshield for a stair guard.

FIG. 3c illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary end piece orshield mount for a stair guard apparatus.

FIG. 3d illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary back plate orbrace for a stair guard apparatus.

FIG. 3e illustrates a top view for an exemplary gripping bracket for astair guard apparatus.

FIG. 3f illustrates an alternative design with a combined shield mountand back plate or brace.

FIG. 4a illustrates a view from the outside of the handrail looking upof an exemplary embodiment having two gripping brackets and two supportplates.

FIG. 4b illustrates a view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4a frominside the staircase handrail looking downward showing the interiorsupport plate fastened to the inside of the railing.

FIG. 5a illustrates a view from outside the handrail, at approximately a45-degree angle to the handrail, of an embodiment using clear materialand four support plates.

FIG. 5b is the same illustration as FIG. 5a with a depiction of a childprevented from climbing the exterior of the staircase.

FIG. 6a is an illustration of a wrought iron screen embodiment viewedfrom outside the staircase handrail at about 45 degrees from thehandrail in the horizontal plane and looking up at roughly 30-degreeangle.

FIG. 6b is front view of the wrought iron screen embodiment of FIG. 6 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a prior art gate for blocking the inside the railing pathof a stairway. A typical home staircase having one open side with ahandrail having handrail supports is shown. A gate-type guard at thebottom of the steps is used to prevent children climbing in the normalinside the railing path of the stairway. The gate-type guard istypically pressure mounted or may be bolted to walls and/or handrailbalusters. As is shown, with the gate-type guards installed, childrenclimb the exterior of the staircase using the balusters as hand holdsand the overhanging stairstep treads as footholds. The overhangingportions of the stairstep treads can form ledges extending beyond theside of the staircase. These ledges are generally of sufficient size forchildren to use as footholds for climbing. Using the balusters andoverhanging stairstep treads, children are able to reach dangerousvertical heights on their ascent up the outside of the staircase.

FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the staircase safety apparatus 100. Variousembodiments and variations of the staircase safety apparatus aredescribed with reference to the Figures. The staircase safety apparatus100 has two components, (1) a screen 104 device for completely orpartially blocking the path of the child climbing the exterior of thestaircase and (2) a fastening structure 108 for securing the screen 104device to a staircase.

The screen 104 is any device or object that will block, prevent ordiscourage children from climbing the exterior of an open side of astaircase. In some embodiments, the screen 104 is solid and in others itis not solid. In some embodiments the screen 104 is clear or see-throughwhile in others it is opaque or dark. In various embodiments, the screen104 may be one of more of the following, a shield, a panel, a series ofconnected bars, a wrought iron gate, a mesh, a netting, a webbing, acurtain, a lattice, a partition, etc. The screen 104 can be made of anymaterial that will facilitate with the blocking or preventing of passageor discourage climbing the exterior of the staircase. The screen 104 maybe made from natural or man-made materials. Materials such as wood,metal, iron, plastic, glass, fabrics, marble, stone, upholstery, animalskin, etc may be used.

The fastening structure 108 is any hardware that enables the screen 104to be held in place on the open side of a staircase. The fasteningstructure 108 fastens the screen 104 to the available staircasestructure (e.g., handrail, handrail supports, stairsteps, etc.). In someembodiments, the fastening structure 108 is removably attached to thestaircase. In some embodiments, the fastening structure 108 removablyfastens the screen 104 to the handrail supports (e.g., balusters,decorative support, wrought iron, wooden slats etc.). In otherembodiments, in which a more permanent or long term solution is desired(e.g., a preschool), the fastening structure 108 may more permanentlyaffix the screen 104 to the side of the staircase.

The screen 104 is generally in a vertical position to act as a blockingdevice for the child climbing up the side of the staircase. While thescreen can vary from the vertical by a significant amount (e.g., 0 to 30degrees), it is best not to have the screen angled to such a largeextent that a child can climb on board the screen and cross over thescreen or even tempt a child to climb on board the screen 104.

In some embodiments, the screen 104 is fastened with the fasteningstructure 108 so as to be generally perpendicular to a side (a siderunning along the length) of the staircase. In this manner the screen104 protrudes from the staircase and prevents a child from climbing upthe side of the staircase. In various embodiments, the screen 104protrudes from the staircase at different angles. For example, thescreen 104 may extend from the staircase at angles varying from 30degrees to 150 degrees. For example, 45, 60 and 80 degrees forwardfacing or 100, 120 and 135 degrees backward facing angles may be used.

The screen 104 should be of adequate height and width to prevent a childfrom getting around the screen (e.g., over, under, or around the side).Screens 104 may be of different heights, widths and depths.

Handrails are typically between 30 and 38 inches tall (in height) asmeasured from the stairstep tread to the top of the handrail along theplane of the riser. Handrail height may be dictated by local codes.Screens 104 may be taller or shorter than the handrail height. For ascreen to be effective to block a child, it does not need to be as tallas the handrail height. In most implementations, a screen height ofabout 24 inches is sufficient and effective. An effective size for thescreen depends on the width and the height of the screen 104, itsplacement along the vertical height of the side of the handrail, and itsangle from the vertical. If the screen 104 is approximately vertical andlocated in approximately the center of the vertical height of thehandrail, a screen height of roughly ⅓ to ⅔ of the handrail height isusually sufficient to prevent a child from going over or under thescreen. For example, if the handrail height is 36 inches, an effectivescreen height may be approximately 12 to 24 inches. Of course, a screen104 can be made taller as long as it does not interfere with the use ofthe handrail. Screens 104 between 25 inches and 40 inches or more may beused. A taller screen 104 is generally safer if it does not interferewith normal use of the staircase.

Various screen widths may be used. The width of a screen 104 issufficient if, when fastened to the staircase, it prevents a child fromgetting around the side of the screen 104. In order to get around afastened screen 104 a child needs to reach the stairstep treads and/orthe balusters, while maneuvering around the side of the screen 104.Therefore, the length of a child's limbs helps determine an adequatewidth for the screen 104. Distance fastened from the balusters is also avariable. Generally, roughly a distance of 12 to 18 inches from thebalusters is sufficient to block a child. The distance from thebalusters to the outside edge of the screen depend upon the width of thescreen 104 as well as the distance between the screen and the balustersto which the screen 104 is affixed. Screen widths of between 8 inchesand 36 inches may be used. In most implementations widths ofapproximately 10 to 14 inches are sufficient to block a child. Thedistance between the screen 104 and the balusters after fastening may bezero, a few inches or greater distance. However, in manyimplementations, the gap between the screen 104 and the balusters willnot allow for a child to pass between the balusters and the screen 104.In embodiments with multiple gripping brackets or multiple fasteningmeans, the size of the gap between the screen 104 and the balusters isof less concern because the fastening structure will block the childfrom passing between the screen 104 and the balusters.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the gripping bracket 112 isattached to the screen 104. Various methods and hardware may be used toattach the gripping bracket to the screen 104, for example, bolts,screws, glue, a machined slot, etc. The gripping bracket 112 may beattached to the screen 104 in advance or may be attached by a user justbefore fastening to the staircase.

Referring to FIG. 2, the screen 104 itself may be connected to the backplate 116 using a bolt, screw, tie or other fastener. One or more thebolts may pass from the back plate 116 directly into the screen. In thisembodiment, the screen must be designed to accept the connection. Thisis accomplished by having a screen that is thick enough and/or strongenough to accept the direct connection from the back plate 116. Inembodiments in which the staircase safety apparatus 100 is removable,the connection between the back plate 116 and the screen 104 should benon-permanent or removable.

Generally referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the parts for thestaircase safety apparatus or side stair guard, namely a screen and afastening structure, are gathered into a kit and made available for auser to assemble at home. The stair guard kit is packaged and suppliedwith instructions for assembly and use.

FIGS. 3a through 3e show another implementation of a stair shieldapparatus 100 utilizing a four-piece assembly: a screen or shield 104, ashield mount 304, a gripping bracket 112 and a back plate 116. In thisimplementation, the fastening structure 108 comprises a mount 304, agripping bracket 112, a back plate 116 and two to four bolts with nuts,screws or other tightening devices.

An exemplary screen 104 or shield is shown in FIG. 3b . In thisembodiment, the shield 104 is generally a flat panel with rounded edges.The shield 104 includes mounting holes for attachment to a fasteningstructure 108.

The implementation shown in FIG. 3a includes a shield mount (or simply amount) 304. In some implementations, the shield mount 304 allows for amore secure fastening of the shield 104 to the side of the staircase. Inthose implementations in which the shield 104 is very thin, in otherwords, has a narrow depth (e.g., ⅛ inch, ¼ inch, ⅓ inch, ½ inch etc.)the shield mount 304 provides greater area in which to fasten the shield104 to the side of the staircase; thus, providing greater area for thebrace, (e.g., the gripping bracket 112, back plate 116 and bolts) toconnect or attach to the shield 104 via the shield mount 304. An exampleof a shield mount is shown in FIG. 3 c.

As shown in FIG. 3a , in some implementation, the balusters are locatedor sandwiched in between the side surface of the gripping bracket 112and the back plate 116. The combination of the back plate 116 and thegripping bracket 112 along with bolts and nuts (or the like) provide abrace to fasten the screen 104 to the balusters.

Referring to FIG. 3c , in some embodiments the shield mount 304 onlyattaches to the shield 104 and the back plate 116. In other words, noconnection is made between the gripping bracket 112 and the shield mount304. In some of these embodiments, the shield mount 304 is positioned orrests against the gripping bracket 112 but is not physically connectedto the gripping bracket. In other embodiments, various methods ofattaching the gripping bracket 112 and shield mount 304 are used. In yetother embodiments, the gripping bracket 112 and the shield mount 304 arecombined, permanently attached or formed into one piece.

Referring generally to FIG. 3e , the gripping bracket 112 can takevarious shapes and forms and be made of various materials. The grippingbracket 112 assists in fastening the shield 104 to the open side of astaircase using for example a handrail or handrail supports. In FIG. 3athe gripping bracket 112 provides support between the shield and theoutside of the handrail supports (outer faces of the balusters).Generally, the gripping bracket 112 assists in providing verticalsupport and horizontal support for the shield 104. In someimplementations as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 a, the gripping bracket 112may be flat (length and width greater than depth) with an L-shape on theinside (formed by length and width) and a curved area on the outersurfaces. In other embodiments, the gripping bracket 112 isrectangularly shaped. In still other embodiments, the gripping bracket112 is a right angle or “L” bracket. The right angle or “L” bracket maybe fixed, adjustable or lockable in place.

The gripping bracket 112 may be made of various materials includingmanmade and natural materials. In many embodiments, the gripping bracket112 has sufficient structural integrity to help support and fasten theshield to handrail supports and withstand the forces placed on theshield by a child. In some embodiments, the safety apparatus is designedto avoid or cover any protrusion of bolts or other attachment devices.

The back plate 116 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 a and 3 d is often a rectangularshaped brace to be placed on the inside of handrail closures orsupports. When present, the back plate is part of the fasteningstructure 108. The back plate 116 may be formed in various shapes and invarious sizes. Generally, for embodiments being fastened on balusters,the back plate is longer than it is wide. For example, the back platehas a length longer than the distance between two balusters and the hasa width wider than the fastener (e.g., bolt, screws, nuts, ties, etc.).In many locations, the distance between balusters is regulated by code.More specifically, the code relates to closing the area underneath thehandrail to prevent falling and blocking objects from falling below. Thecode requires handrail closures of one type or another. Balusters (e.g.,wrought iron rods, wooden dowels, etc.) are often used as closures. Insome locations the code requirement is 4 inches or less between closuressuch as balusters. In other locations, it is whether a sphere of somesize can pass between the closures or balusters, that sphere can varybetween about 4 and 5 inches. Thus, generally, a functional back plate116 in many embodiments would be longer than 4 inches in order to fastento two closures or balusters. Closures may be decorative or plain andcome in many designs. A back plate 116 to fasten to three balusterswould need to be greater than 8 inches in length. For many embodiments,back plates 116 of 5 to 12 inches in length will assist in fastening tomultiple handrail supports or balusters. The height of the back plate116 depends on the strength and stability desired for the brace. In manyembodiments, back plate 116 heights of between 1 inch to 12 inches(e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) are operative to form a brace aroundhandrail closures or supports to securely fasten a screen 104 in place.

Back plate 116 depth may be limited by local codes which in some casesprevent obstacles in the main walkway (within the stair walkway, “insidethe railings”). If the back plate 116 is made of a strong material(e.g., metal, stone, etc) a narrow depth of less than ½ inch willsuffice (e.g., a metal strip). In most embodiments, depths of less than1 inch (⅓, ½, ⅔, ¾, etc.) provide sufficient strength and are nototherwise in the way.

The back plate 116 may be made of various materials including manmadeand natural materials. For example, any common building material may beused for the back plate 116 (e.g., wood, metal, plastic, stone, etc.).Some examples of back plates 116 are: (a) 6½ inches by 3 inches by ½inch aluminum, (b) 6 by 2 by ¼ inches steel or wrought iron, (c) 8 by 8by ¾ wooden or plastic.

FIG. 3f shows an alternative design in which the shield mount and theback plate 116 are one piece, combined, or more permanently connected.In some embodiments, connecting the shield mount 304 and the back plate116 provides greater strength. In other embodiments, a combined shieldmount 304 and back plate 116 provide ease in user installation. In oneembodiment, the combined shield mount 304 and back plate 116 are metal.For example, the combined shield mount 304 and back plate 116 arestamped or laser cut from 3/32-½ inch thick steel or ⅛-1 inch aluminumwhich are molded to a right angle configuration, in one embodiment, witha press break. In other embodiments, the shield mount 304 and the backplate 116 are welded or molded plastic. In some embodiments, holes aredrilled, and/or drilled and tapped through the shield mount 304 and backplate 116 to accommodate fasteners (e.g., plastic, metal or woodenscrews, bolts, cam lock nuts, cam screws, confirmat fasteners, hexbolts, hex cap screws, cap screws, plastic ties etc.)

Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3a through 3 f, the configuration ofthese implementations show the fastening structure connected or attachedon the backside of the screen or shield 104. These implementations witha rear gripping bracket 112 connected to the backside of the screen 104,generally, are able to provide greater strength against a force from thefront of the screen or shield as the gripping bracket 112 providesgreater resistance (preventing compression of the gripping bracket) thansome of the other implementations. The planar gripping bracket shown 112will resist frontal forces from the front of the screen 104. Given theblock type configuration of the gripping bracket shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,the gripping bracket 112 will resist force along its plane and resistbeing compressed.

In some embodiments both the bracket 112 and the back plate 116 or braceare attached to the screen 104. In other embodiments, either the bracket112 or the back plate 116 are attached to the screen 104 but not both.The shield mount 304 facilitates connecting either or both the bracket112 or the back plate 116 to the shield 104.

FIGS. 4a and 4b depict an embodiment with a solid blocking shield 104and a fastening device 108 comprising two mounting gripping brackets 112and two support plates, a back plate 116 and a front plate 404.

In this implementation, the safety apparatus 100 incorporates a screen104 formed as a vertical barrier, a type of blocking shield, generallyperpendicular to the plane of the railing balusters (banisters), whichis rigidly fastened in such a way that it blocks children's pathway toclimb higher up the staircase steps on the exterior of the railing.

While shown in this embodiment generally as wood, particle board or fauxwood, the barrier can be constructed of various natural and man-madematerials. In this embodiment, the barrier is attached with right-anglebrackets 112 to existing stair railing balusters. The apparatus shownand its materials are strong enough to continuously function as arigidly attached blocking shield, while having an appearance that isaesthetically pleasing to the home (or building) owner.

In some embodiments, attachment or fastening to the balusters is viathreaded fasteners through holes drilled in the right-angle bracket 112and the mounting materials/plates 116, 404. These mounting plates 116,404 sandwich the railing balusters, providing a rigid support forattaching the right-angle mounting bracket 112 which holds the verticalblocking shield 104 in place. While the apparatus is generally rigidlyfastened over existing balusters, in most embodiments, the apparatus isremovable and connected so as to avoid damaging the balusters.

Style, materials of construction, and method of attachment to existingstair railings are features that can be varied to best suit massproduction and marketing. While the embodiment shown has the fastenersstructure fastened toward the lower part of the stairwell wrought ironhandrail balusters, the fastener structure can be higher up the handrailthen the barrier.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b , there arethree primary hardware components for the embodiment shown, ascreen/shield 104, gripping brackets 112 and support plates 116, 404.

The vertical barrier (blocking shield 104) is shown fastened or mountedperpendicular to the stair railing. The vertical blocking barrier,generally, serves the purpose of blocking an ascent along the outside ofthe bannister. The vertical barrier or shield 104 shown in FIGS. 4a and4b may be fabricated from wood or the like (or for example veneercovered particle board). Typical wood material thickness can vary from ¼inch to 3 inches. Typical width of a wooden screen 104 can vary fromabout 8″ to 30″ and the height can vary from about 6″ to 60″

The right-angle mounting brackets (brackets 112) rigidly connect thebarrier 104 to the front plate 404 railing or bannister. In someembodiments, the right-angle mounting brackets 112 are fabricated fromsteel or other strong materials (for example metals and composites)because of the desire or requirement to have rigidity in theconstruction, however it is possible to select from a wide variety ofvarious architectural designs and coating colors. In one embodiment,generally for a standard home staircase, these right-angle brackets 112extend approximately eight (8) inches across the balusters, and ten (10)inches across the vertical barrier, although both of these dimensionscan vary from 4″ to 30″. These distances may vary depending upon thestaircase, balusters and design of the fastening structure or mountingmechanism.

The support plates, front 404 and back 116, facilitate attachment of theright-angle mounting bracket 112 to the stair railing and stabilizes theattachment or mounting to the bannister (or balusters). The supportplates of the design shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b may be fabricated fromwood or the like (for example veneer covered particle board). Typicalwood material thickness can vary from about ¼″ to 3″. Typical width forwooden support plates can vary from about 6″ to 24″ and the height canvary from about 4″ to 30″.

Each of these three primary components 104, 112, 116 may be formed inmultiple parts. Also, in certain embodiments, two or three of thesecomponents may be combined into a singular or unitary construction. Theapparatus may be adapted for mounting on a variety of balusters orrailing configurations.

While this embodiment shows two right angle gripping brackets 112, someembodiments use only one gripping bracket 112. The number of grippingbrackets 112 use can vary (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 etc.). The angle of thegripping brackets 112 may also vary as described below.

The number of support plates 116 404 can also vary. The configuration ofthe support plates can vary. For example, in some embodiments, one backplate is used as a brace with one or more front plates. In some otherembodiments, one front support plate is used with multiple brace or backsupport plates. In yet other embodiments, the number of front supportplates 404 and back support plates 116 are equal to each other (e.g. 2,3, 4, etc.).

As can be seen in other embodiments shown, the front support plate 404,on the outside (screen 104 side) of the balusters, can be eliminated andthe gripping brackets 112 may fasten or attach directly to the backsupport plate.

Likewise, the back plate 116 can be eliminated from the fasteningstructure 108. In these embodiments, braces are used around balusters tomount the front plate 404 to the balusters. For example, u-shaped bracesencircle a baluster and attach to the front plate 404. Multiple u-shapedbraces (not shown) may be used on multiple balusters to fasten the frontplate 404 and in turn the shield 104 to the balusters.

In more detail, the individual parts for the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 4a and 4b are:

(a) a vertical barrier—serving as a screen 104 or blocking shield

(b) an upper right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112

(c) a lower right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112

(d) a front support plate 404—exterior to a railing

(e) a back support plate 116—interior to a railing; and

(f) a number of bolts—

-   -   (i) first bolt—sandwiches upper right-angle mounting gripping        bracket 112 to support plates at the outermost location, which        grip both the interior and exterior sides of two or three of the        railing balusters;    -   (ii) second bolt—sandwiches lower right-angle mounting gripping        bracket 112 to support plates at the outermost location, which        grip both the interior and the exterior sides of two or three of        the railing balusters;    -   (iii) third bolt—attaches lower right-angle mounting gripping        bracket 112 to the vertical barrier 104, at the outermost        location.    -   (iv) fourth bolt—attaches upper right-angle mounting gripping        bracket 112 to the vertical barrier 104, at the outermost        location.    -   (v) fifth bolt—attaches upper right-angle mounting gripping        bracket 112 to the support plates 116, 404 at the innermost        location (closest to the right angle bend) which grip both the        interior and the exterior sides of two or three of the railing        balusters    -   (vi) sixth bolt—attaches lower right-angle mounting gripping        bracket 112 to the support plates 116, 404 at the innermost        location (closest to the right angle bend) which grip both the        interior and the exterior sides of two or three of the railing        balusters;    -   (vii) seventh bolt—attaches upper right-angle mounting gripping        bracket 112 to the vertical barrier 104 at the innermost        location (closest to the right angle bend);    -   (viii) eighth bolt—attaches lower right-angle mounting gripping        bracket 112 to the vertical barrier 104 at the innermost        location (closest to the right angle bend).

FIGS. 4a and 4b also show the handrail baluster (or banister)—or inother words, the existing stair railing upright support member to whichthis safety apparatus 100 attaches. (Typically there is no more thanfour inches of separation between each of these vertical pieces). Thisexample of the safety guard apparatus 100 attaches to (sandwiches) one,two or three of the railing balusters (banisters). In this example, thebalusters are sandwiched in between the front plate 404 and the backplates 116 using pressure from tightening nuts on the bolts.

Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b a design adapted for the use ofpolycarbonate plastic or similar material is shown.

This design option offers the benefit of a “see-through” barrier andsupport plates 116, 404 that are aesthetically pleasing since they haveminimal visual impact. Various see-through materials (e.g., acrylic,polycarbonate, glass, etc.) may be used for the shield and mountingmechanism and are included and within the spirit of the disclosure.

FIG. 5b depicts a child attempting to climb the exterior of the stairrailing being blocked by a see-through design stair guard safetyapparatus 100.

For this embodiment, the components remain similar or the same as islisted in the detailed description (above), with some adaptations ormodifications.

In this example, the screen or shield 104 is fabricated frompolycarbonate plastic or the like see thru material, for example, from aplastic of 0.5 inch thick material (thickness can vary from about 3/32″to 3″).

The support plate exterior to the railing 404 may be fabricated from asimilar polycarbonate plastic 0.5 inch thick material (thickness canvary from about 3/32″ to 3″). The exterior support plate 404 can vary inlength (e.g., 4 inches to 18 inches). What is depicted is approximatelyeleven (11) inches in length, which allows the gripping bracket 112 tobe fastened to three balusters. The length of the exterior support plate404 can vary from about 4 inches to 30 inches. The exterior supportplate 404 shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b is formed of two smaller pieces (onefor the upper and one for the lower gripping bracket 112) rather thanthe single piece as is shown in other embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 4a and 4b). In this example, the width of the exterior support plate 404 exceedsthe width of the gripping bracket 112.

The back plate 116, support plate interior to the railing, is also, forexample, fabricated from polycarbonate plastic 0.5 inch thick material(thickness can vary from about 3/32″ to 3″) and about eleven (11) inchesin length (length can vary from 4″ to 30″). In this embodiment, the backplate is formed of two smaller pieces (one for the upper and one for thelower) rather than the back plate 116 as shown in FIG. 4a . Otherplastics and other thickness may be used for support plates 116,404.

Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b , two right angle gripping brackets areshown, an upper right angle gripping bracket 112 and a lower right anglegripping bracket 112. The two gripping brackets 112 are shown as beingthe same, however, different brackets may be used.

The right-angle mounting brackets 112 are generally fabricated fromsteel or other rigid material because of the desire or requirement tohave rigidity in the construction, however it is possible to select froma wide variety of various architectural designs and coating colors.Another option would be to fabricate these right-angle mounting bracketsfrom plastic/polycarbonate material.

In the embodiment, generally for a home staircase as shown in FIGS. 5aand 5b , these right-angle brackets 112 extend approximately six (6)inches across the balusters, and eight (8) inches across the verticalbarrier, although these dimensions can vary from about 4″ to 30″. Otherlengths may be appropriate given the baluster and design considerations(e.g., 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 inches etc.). One factor driving the size of thefastening structure 108 are the number or amount of handrail support onwhich the screen 104 will be fastened. While the screen 104 can befastened to one baluster or six or more balusters, most implementationswill fasten to two or three balusters and the lengths of the supportplates 116, 404 and gripping brackets 112 will adjust accordingly tosandwich or partially encircle the two or three balusters. Thus, thesedimensions may vary depending upon the staircase, balusters and designof the fastening structure 108.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b , a screen 104 and fastener structure 108for wrought iron balusters is shown. This embodiment offers the benefitof replicating the material, style, and spacing of the existingstaircase balusters (banisters) which therefore provide minimal visualimpact, while still providing the safety function of the stair guard100.

The screen 104 of FIGS. 6a and 6b is formed of wrought iron like hollowtubing. Additional matching balusters may be used to form the screen104. The screen 104 appearance is intended to be similar to the wroughtiron balusters. Any number of balusters may be used to form the screen104 (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.). In this embodiment, three balustersspaced apart at about 4 inches are used. The baluster may be heldtogether in various ways to form the screen 104.

In this embodiment, the balusters are held together with the aid of thegripping bracket 112. Similar methods, materials and structure used tofasten the screen 104, the fastening structure 108, to the balusters maybe used to form a screen 104 comprising balusters, baluster like pieces,rods or the like. In other embodiments, other methods of forming thewrought iron like screen 104 are used such as welding a bar horizontallyacross the wrought iron rods.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b , for this embodiment, similar componentsare similarly labeled to the other embodiments.

The screen 104 is fabricated from steel or wrought iron like one-halfinch square tubing that matches the vertical balusters in the existingstair railing in both material, style, and spacing. The steel tubing canbe solid or hollow and vary from ¼″ on a side to 2″ on a side, and canbe selected to best match the existing balusters. Other bars orscreening materials may be used for the screen 104.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b , there is no support plate exterior to therailing. The right-angle mounting bracket is positioned (and is boltedthrough) directly on top of the exterior surface of the balusters(banisters). This is the case for both the upper and lower right-anglemounting bracket.

The back plate 116 interior to the railing is fabricated from ⅛th inchthick steel (thickness can vary from approximately 1/16″ to 3″) orsimilar material. The back plate 116 comprises two smaller pieces ratherthan the single piece shown in other embodiments. The two smaller steelplates are mounted behind both the upper and the lower right-anglemounting brackets, and are drilled to allow bolts to pass through theright-angle mounting bracket and through these support plates.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b , includes a gripping bracket112. Specifically, the gripping bracket 112 comprises two right-anglebrackets 112 an upper bracket and a lower bracket. Various constructionmay be used for the gripping bracket 112.

The right-angle mounting brackets 112 are generally fabricated fromsteel or other rigid or strong material (for example, metals andcomposites) because of the desire or requirement to have rigidity in theconstruction. However, it is possible to select from a wide variety ofvarious architectural designs and coating colors for the grippingbrackets 112.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b , generally for astandard home staircase, it is sufficient for these right-angle bracketsextend approximately eight (8) inches across the balusters, and ten (10)inches across the vertical barrier, although both of these dimensionscan vary from 4″ to 30″. Larger or smaller gripping brackets 112 may beused depending on the size and shape of the bannister construction. Thesize of the balusters and the distance between balusters is aconsideration in design. The strength of material used for the grippingbrackets also impacts the size of the gripping brackets 112. Generally,stronger materials allow for somewhat smaller size. Thus, the dimensionsvary depending upon the staircase, balusters and design of the fasteningstructure.

The stair guard apparatus 100 may be used on either side or both sidesof a staircase. In some embodiments, the stair guard apparatus 100 isreversible to fastened on outside of the left hand side or right handside of a staircase. Whether on the left side or right side of astaircase, similar components are used for the stair guard apparatus100.

All the components of a stair guard apparatus 100 may be constructed ofvarious available materials. The material selection decision includesstrength of materials and, in some instances, impacts designconsiderations. A design may need to be adapted to account for thematerials chosen for the apparatus and the design of the open side ofthe staircase.

The parts for each of the embodiments described may be packaged in a kitfor shipment and later assembly. Each of the embodiments described maybe assembled and fastened to a staircase.

In the description and claims of the present disclosure, “comprise,”“include,” “have,” and conjugates thereof are used to indicate that theobject or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing ofmembers, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects ofthe verb.

It will be appreciated that the above-described apparatus, systems andmethods may be varied in many ways, including, changing the order ofsteps, and the exact implementation used. The described embodimentsinclude different features, not all of which are required in allembodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, some embodiments of thepresent disclosure use only some of the features or possiblecombinations of the features. Different combinations of features notedin the described embodiments will occur to a person skilled in the art.Furthermore, some embodiments of the present disclosure may beimplemented by combination of features and elements that have beendescribed in association to different embodiments along the disclosure.

While certain embodiments have been described in details and shown inthe accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodimentsare merely illustrative of the invention. The scope of the invention isnot limited by the specific embodiments.

The foregoing description of various embodiments provides illustrationand description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired frompractice in accordance with the present invention. It is to beunderstood that the invention is intended to cover various modificationsand equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use on the open side of astaircase wherein the staircase includes an interior for foot traffic,stairsteps with tread overhanging the open side of the staircase and hasa handrail on the open side of the staircase with railing closures, theapparatus comprising: a screen; and a support structure connected to thescreen and removably connected to the railing closures; wherein thescreen is supported by the support structure in a position exterior tothe railing closures and extending a sufficient distance in a directionperpendicular to the railing closures to block a child from climbing thetread overhang to ascend the exterior of the staircase.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the support structure fastens to the railingclosures.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support structurecomprises a bracket.
 4. The apparatus of clam 1 wherein the supportstructure comprises a plate.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thesupport structure comprises two plates.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the support structure comprises a bracket and a plate.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the support structure sandwiches therailing closures.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the screencomprises a solid shield.
 9. A kit for an apparatus to screen childrenfrom climbing an exterior of an open side of a staircase having ahandrail and handrail supports, the kit comprising: a screen; a bracket;a support plate; means for attaching the screen to the bracket or thesupport plate; and means for removably securing the bracket and supportplate to the handrail supports, wherein when secured the screen preventsascent on the exterior of an open staircase.
 10. The kit of claim 9further comprising a screen mount.
 11. The kit of claim 9 furthercomprising a screen mount attached to the support plate.
 12. The kit ofclaim 9 wherein the screen is a panel and the support plate is a backplate.
 13. The kit of claim 9 wherein the removably securing meanscomprises one or more of a bolt, a screw, nut, and confirmat fastener.14. The kit of claim 9 wherein when secured the bracket and supportplate are on either side of the handrail supports.
 15. The kit of claim9 further comprising a second plate.
 16. A method of installing a shieldon a side of a staircase wherein the staircase side is open comprising:attaching a panel to a bracket or a support plate; fastening theattached panel to handrail closures using the bracket and the supportplate wherein when fastened the bracket and support plate sandwich thehandrail closures; wherein the fastened panel prevents childrenascending the exterior of the open side of the staircase by climbingsteps.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of attachingcomprises connecting the panel to a panel mount and connecting the panelmount to the support plate.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the stepof attaching comprises connecting the panel to a panel mount andconnecting the panel mount to the bracket.
 19. The method of claim 16wherein the step of fastening is performed with a bolt and wherein thesandwiched handrail closures are one of wrought iron rods, balusters anddecorative closures.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein a second plateis used and the step of fastening sandwiches the handrail closuresbetween the two plates.